I’m all abuzz about the fuzz

By By Karen Thomas

My husband and I were out for a drive one day and came upon a new fruit stand.

I’m sure it wasn’t new as in “just opened,” but it was definitely new to us.

I’m crazy for fruit stands. This one did not disappoint.

Bushels of freshly, picked peaches welcomed us. They immediately snagged my attention. I love peaches.

My husband loves other things, like large boulders, which he quickly spotted in the distance.

Without realizing he had wandered off, I picked up a peach and squealed, “Look! They still have the peach fuzz on them.”

Of course, he didn’t hear me. Luckily, neither did anyone else. I’m sure they would have thought, “Hasn’t that girl ever seen peach fuzz on a peach?”

Well, I have, but it’s been a long time. Peaches in the local grocery stores don’t have peach fuzz. I’m thinking the grocers take it all off and keep it for themselves. I’ve even seen peaches at other fruit stands stripped of their fuzz.

The last time I remember holding a peach covered in peach fuzz was with my grandfather. He always picked the softest, sweetest peaches and we’d eat them up instantly, fuzz and all.

And I’m still here to tell about it.

I think of peaches as being a country thing, but our house in Pittsburgh was only 10 miles from downtown, and lo and behold, there was a peach tree in the front yard.

I always imagined peaches originated right there from that tree at 877 Monteiro St. in Pittsburgh, Pa. You can imagine my disappointment when I found out otherwise.

It just so happens that peaches originated in the country where most of our imports come from. Yes – China. And they still produce the fabulous fruit. But so does South Carolina and we are ahead of Georgia, the peach state, in peach production.

Go, S.C.!

Now, here are five things to ponder while your savoring your sweet, South Carolina peach:

1. Peaches were the first fruit eaten on the moon – canned, of course.

2. Peaches have 0.1 gram of fat. I like that.

3. The Chinese symbol for longevity is a peach tree.

4. A red blush on a peach doesn’t mean it’s ripe. The peach is just embarrassed to be seen without its fuzz.

5. I adore peaches and my dad calls me “Peaches.”

Sweeeeeeeeet!

Happy Peach Season! Long may it reign!